Naming spreadsheet cells
You can assign names (such as "Expenses" or "Fees") to a single cell or a cell range. You can use cell names to
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reference cells in formulas |
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select the named cells quickly |
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help you remember the purpose of the data in those cells |
When you're working with named cells, you use the commands in the name pop-up menu, located to the left of the entry bar.
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Name pop-up menu |
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Cell names must conform to these rules:
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You can't use the same cell name more than once in the same spreadsheet. |
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The first character must be a letter. |
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The name can't contain operators (such as + or -) or punctuation marks. |
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The name can't resemble a cell reference (such as A8) or an AppleWorks function (such as SUM). |
Assigning names to cells
To name a cell or cell range:
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Select the cells you want to name. |
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Choose Define Name from the name pop-up menu. |
To use row or column titles as cell names:
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Select a range of cells that includes at least one row or column where you've typed a descriptive title. |
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Choose Auto Name from the name pop-up menu. |
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AppleWorks derives names from data in the top row and left column of the selection. |
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Deselect any items you don't want to use as cell range names. |
Editing cell names
Using cell names in formulas
To use cell names in a formula:
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Assign a name to a cell or cell range. |
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Type the formula, using cell names in place of cell addresses. |
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Tip: You can choose the name from the name pop-up menu. |
If you see #NAME! in the cell:
You've used a name that is not defined. To quickly define the name, select the cells that correspond to the name. Then choose Define Name from the name pop-up menu, and choose the name you specified from the pop-up menu to the right of the Name box. (You see the pop-up menu only if there are undefined cell names.)
Switching between cell names and cell references
When you use named cells in a spreadsheet, you can switch between cell names and cell references (addresses) in formulas.
To switch between cell names and cell references in a formula:
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Select the cells containing formulas you want to switch. |
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Choose a command from the name pop-up menu: |
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To switch from cell names to cell references, choose Replace Names. |
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To switch from cell references to cell names, choose Replace References. |
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Deselect any items you don't want to switch. |
Related topics
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